The Clay City Council unanimously approved a resolution that declared Ricky Baker as the city's duly elected Councilman Place 5.

Baker, who received 667 votes during the Aug. 28 municipal election, had been previously slated to face incumbent Councilwoman Jackie Hambrick in a runoff election on Oct. 8. On Sept. 6, however, Hambrick, who received 490 votes, withdrew from the runoff, citing "unforeseen circumstances relating to (her) health."

Hambrick, who oversaw community development, seniors, environmental and historical interests for the City of Clay, had served on the council for four years.

Baker will begin his term on the first Monday in November 2012.

During reports from standing committees, Mayor-elect Charles Webster, who currently serves as Councilman Place 3 and oversees the Parks and Recreation Board, said the city obtained a 30-day burn permit to begin eliminating a pile of debris left behind by an early-morning tornado earlier this year. Webster said the city had initially sought to grind and mulch the debris, but decided not to proceed when the estimate exceeded $141,000.

So far, Webster said he is happy with the progress.

"They have gotten a lot done in a short 2-3 day period," Webster said, who added that if necessary, the city can apply for an extension to the burn permit.